Imagine having 1,100 acres of private island mostly to yourself. Now imagine that island comes with butlers, private chefs, and a bar tab that never ends. Welcome to Ambergris Cay, where “all-inclusive” gets redefined in ways that would make other resorts weep with envy. This isn’t your typical wristband-and-buffet situation – this is what happens when someone decides to create the ultimate private island escape and forgets to compromise.
Opened in 2019 on what was originally a private homeowner community, Ambergris Cay flips the script on Caribbean luxury. With just 17 bungalows and 9 villas spread across an island you could fit Manhattan into twice, the math alone tells you this is something special. But numbers don’t capture what it feels like to have your own golf cart, your own beach, and your own butler who somehow knows you need a cold towel before you realize you’re hot.
Getting There: Your Private Plane Awaits
The journey to Ambergris Cay is part of the experience, and they’ve turned what could be a hassle into a James Bond moment. Landing at Providenciales? No problem – they’ll whisk you to the private aviation terminal where your 20-minute charter flight awaits. The Twin Otter isn’t exactly a G6, but when you’re flying over turquoise waters to your private island, who’s complaining?
If you’re arriving by private jet (and let’s be honest, a good chunk of guests are), Ambergris Cay rolls out the red carpet – literally. The island’s 5,700-foot runway can handle jets up to 28 meters long. From touchdown to beach towel in under 10 minutes. Now that’s what I call a commute.
One crucial detail: transfers only happen during daylight hours. Plan accordingly, or you’ll be bunking in Provo for the night (though there are worse fates).
Accommodations: From Bungalows to “Did We Just Buy a House?”
Ambergris Cay offers three tiers of accommodation, each more ridiculous than the last (in the best way possible).
Beachfront Bungalows
The “entry-level” option (and I use that term loosely) features 17 beachfront bungalows with private heated plunge pools. These aren’t your beach shack bungalows – think sophisticated tropical design with indoor/outdoor bathrooms, king beds that make you question your mattress choices at home, and terraces perfect for watching the sun do its nightly magic trick.
Two-Bedroom Suites
Step up to the two-bedroom beachfront suites and things get more interesting. Full kitchens (not that you’ll use them with all-inclusive dining), separate living areas, and enough space to lose your travel companion for hours. Perfect for families or friends who like each other enough to vacation together but still need doors to close.
The Villas: Where Reality Gets Silly
Then there are the villas. Oh, the villas. Ranging from three to six bedrooms, some sprawling over 5,000 square feet, these aren’t accommodations – they’re compounds. Private pools that shame most hotel pools. Outdoor showers that make you question indoor plumbing. Full kitchens stocked daily with premium spirits (because running out of champagne would be tragic). Telescopes for stargazing. And here’s the kicker – they’re all-inclusive.
Let that sink in. A six-bedroom villa with butler service, private chef on call, and unlimited top-shelf everything. It’s like renting a billionaire’s beach house, except the billionaire left their staff and credit card behind.
All-Inclusive: Redefined and Refined
Forget everything you think you know about all-inclusive. This isn’t about loading up at the buffet and drinking watered-down mai tais. At Ambergris Cay, all-inclusive means your butler knows your coffee order by day two. It means 24-hour room service that actually delivers hot food. It means the bartender pours Macallan 18 without wincing.
Your villa fridge gets restocked daily with wine, beer, prosecco, and whatever spirits you fancy. Running low on that bottle of Clase Azul? They’ll replace it. Decided you’re more of a wine person? The sommelier will adjust accordingly. It’s the kind of service that spoils you for every other vacation.
Dining: Island Cuisine Without the Island Pricing
With two oceanfront restaurants and multiple bars, Ambergris Cay takes the “you’ll never go hungry” promise seriously. Calico Restaurant serves as the main dining venue, with menus that change based on what’s fresh and what the chef feels like creating. We’re talking grilled lobster caught that morning, organic proteins flown in from the mainland, and enough vegetarian/vegan options to keep everyone happy.
The Club House offers a more casual vibe, perfect for lunch when you can’t be bothered to change out of your swimsuit. But here’s where it gets fun – you’re not limited to restaurants. Want breakfast on your villa terrace? Done. Picnic on a deserted beach? They’ll pack the hamper. Romantic dinner on the sandbar that appears at low tide? Just say when.
The bars follow the same “whatever, whenever” philosophy. Pool bar, beach bar, villa bar – they’re all yours, all the time. And we’re not talking well drinks here. Order that 25-year-old rum. Request that specific champagne vintage. This is all-inclusive for adults who appreciate the difference.
Activities: 1,100 Acres of Possibilities
With nearly two square miles of island to explore, boredom isn’t really an option. Golf carts come standard with every accommodation, giving you freedom to discover hidden beaches, secret coves, and that perfect spot for sunset cocktails.
Water sports are complimentary and comprehensive – kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cats, snorkeling gear. The island sits adjacent to some of the best diving in the Caribbean, and they’ll arrange everything from discover scuba to advanced wreck dives. Fishing? World-class bonefishing flats surround the island, and deep-sea fishing puts you in marlin territory within minutes.
On land, there’s tennis, pickleball (because it’s 2024), a fitness center that’ll make you feel guilty about that third piña colada, and miles of trails for hiking or biking. The Explorer’s Hut keeps kids 4-12 entertained with actual activities, not just video games and sugar.
The spa – Elevate – lives up to its name, offering treatments that combine Caribbean ingredients with techniques that actually work. Book the villa massage and they’ll transform your terrace into a private spa. Because walking to the spa building seems like a lot of effort when you’re this relaxed.
The Little Extras That Make the Big Difference
Ambergris Cay understands that luxury is in the details. Your arrival isn’t just a check-in; it’s a welcome home. Your butler doesn’t just take requests; they anticipate needs. The housekeeping doesn’t just clean; they refresh your space twice daily without you noticing.
Want to explore Little Ambergris Cay? They’ll pack a boat with lunch and drinks for a day trip to the Hangover Tiki Bar. Celebrating something special? Your villa might suddenly sprout flowers, champagne, and a cake that appeared from nowhere. It’s these touches that transform a stay from “nice resort” to “when can we come back?”
Who Is This Paradise For?
Ambergris Cay works for a surprisingly diverse crowd. Honeymooners love the privacy and romance. Families appreciate the space and activities. Groups of friends can take over a villa and live their best lives. The common thread? People who appreciate exceptional service, absolute privacy, and understand that sometimes you have to pay for perfect.
It’s not for budget travelers (obviously). It’s not for people who need nightlife, shopping, or constant stimulation. And it’s definitely not for anyone who thinks all-inclusive means compromise. This is for those who want their Caribbean island fantasy without any reality checks.
The Investment: What Paradise Costs
Let’s talk numbers, because Ambergris Cay isn’t shy about its positioning. Bungalows start around $2,000 per night. Villas? If you have to ask… but figure $5,000-$15,000 per night depending on size and season. Yes, that’s per night. Yes, people pay it. And yes, after experiencing it, you’ll understand why.
But here’s the thing – that rate includes everything. Your flights from Provo, all meals, all drinks, all activities, service that borders on telepathic, and access to a private island that makes you feel like you’ve discovered somewhere new. When you break down what you’d spend at a traditional luxury resort for this level of service, space, and privacy, the math starts to make sense. Expensive sense, but sense nonetheless.
The Verdict: Worth Every Penny (If You Have Them)
Ambergris Cay isn’t just another luxury resort – it’s a masterclass in how to do private island hospitality right. By keeping the guest count low and the service level stratospheric, they’ve created something genuinely special in an ocean of sameness.
Is it worth the astronomical price tag? If you’re looking for value in the traditional sense, probably not. But if you understand that some experiences can’t be replicated, that privacy has become the ultimate luxury, and that life’s too short for mediocre vacations, then Ambergris Cay delivers something priceless: perfection without compromise.
Just be warned – after a week of butler service, unlimited cocktails, and having a Caribbean island mostly to yourself, returning to regular life feels like a cruel joke. But that’s what memories are for, right? That, and planning your next visit.